Carol Jean Conrad

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Jean Conrad, a loving wife, devoted mother, treasured grandmother, and cherished friend. Carol, a long-time resident of Bolingbrook, unexpectedly departed on August 9, 2025 at the age of 82. Carol was born on November 30, 1942 to Joseph and Lillian Ballard. She grew up in Chicago’s South Side Irish neighborhood of Beverly with her sister, Sharon and brother, Bill. After attending the Academy of Our Lady in Longwood, Carol entered the Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa in 1962 to devote her life to her faith but left in 1963 to follow her true calling - education. She earned her degree at Chicago State Teachers College and, eventually, went on to Lewis University to earn her Masters. While an undergrad, she met James Conrad; they married on April 22, 1967. Carol and Jim moved to Bolingbrook in 1972, where they raised their two sons, Matthew and James (Jamie). It was important to her to instill her strong faith and values in her family. Carol began her successful career in education at BJ Ward as a PE Teacher and then transferred to Hubert H. Humphrey Middle School in 1978, quickly becoming everybody’s favorite gym teacher. Carol was a passionate educator and her dedication to her students and school was unparalleled in her 30 years in the Valley View School District. She was a strict, but kind, teacher who kept her students in check when they needed it most, while always showing compassion. Colleagues remember her as a tireless worker and a mentor to many in the education field. Beyond the classroom, Carol loved golfing, gardening, and traveling. She was an accomplished IHSA Volleyball referee, where she was frequently one of the referees at all the local school games and state playoff matches. Carol was one of the best sports moms; you would often find her cheering for any of the local park district, high school, and college teams. She was a big Bolingbrook supporter and a face in the community. There wasn’t anywhere she could go without bumping into a past colleague or hearing a former student call out “Hi Mrs. Conrad!” In her retirement, Carol’s greatest joy was her role as grandmother. She made it a point to be as engaged as possible in their lives. She loved nothing more than celebrating birthdays, attending their school and sporting events, and taking them on adventures to museums, carnivals, and the zoo, to name a few. Carol was known to spoil them with shopping trips and great family vacations. She was always beaming with pride in their accomplishments and cherished every moment that they spent together. On the exterior, Carol had a tough as nails personality. Deep down, however, she was warm, caring, and had quite the sense of humor. She had a generous heart, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, while treating people with kindness and generosity. She touched the lives of many. Carol will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Carol’s spirit is carried on by her loving sons, Matt and Jamie; her favorite daughter-in-law, Karyn; her beloved grandchildren, Kristen, Joshua, and Jacob; her new great grandson, Jason, and her dearest friends who became family. Preceding her in peace were her husband, Jim, her parents and siblings. To honor her memory, visitation will be held at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 530 West Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440, on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Scholastica Catholic Church, 7800 Janes Avenue, Woodridge, Illinois 60517, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 10:00 am. A private Interment will be held at Holy Sepulchre in Alsip. Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium.

Carol Jean Conrad

November 30, 1942 - August 9, 2025